Denise’s breathing slowed without her permission.
Not because she was calming down—
but because something in the air was adjusting her state.
Like the world itself was trying to make her more receptive.
She noticed it and immediately felt a spike of fear.
“I don’t like that,” she said under her breath.
Liam’s voice came instantly, sharper now.
“Don’t let it settle.”
Denise turned slightly toward him. “It feels like it’s inside the room.”
“It is,” he said.
That answer hit harder than she expected.
Her eyes flicked back to the figure in the forest.
It stood perfectly still, hand still raised, like it wasn’t forcing anything anymore.
Just holding an option open.
Denise swallowed. “So what is this now? Another signal?”
Liam didn’t take his eyes off the forest.
“No,” he said qui
